I am very sad about Kosovo and deeply preoccupied about our people’s security in Kosovo and the future of our religious shrines. I would hope there will be a compromise very soon that is acceptable to everyone. I do not want Kosovo to be used by foreign powers as an issue of contention, nor for it to be used for self interest in a dangerous game of international joisting to gain points at the cost of our country and the Serbian people. I am impressed with the absolute unity of our state bodies when it comes to Kosovo and Metohija. Negotiations must continue – says in an interview for New Year’s edition of “Alo!”, Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic.

The Crown Prince points out that, “however distasteful the outcome is, our people cannot punish themselves into a difficult future”.

- More can be done to help all our people by creating a sound future for Serbia and even beyond its current borders. By beyond, I mean very serious talks as soon as possible about Bosnia and Herzegovina which is, let’s face it, an artificial state.

More and more politicians claim that, being in the situation we are in, we must turn our backs to the EU and the West and seek closer ties to Russia.

- We must have good relations with everyone and, of course, excellent ones with Russia, but our destiny will be a contributing active member of the European Union and not as a satellite or a pawn of a foreign power. You should take note that some of our neighbours are already members of the European Union, and there is no doubt that other neighbours will become members sooner or later. Do our citizens really want to live in a country that is isolated like an island? Unless we make a real effort in joining the European Union like everyone else is doing, as an isolated island our economic position and livelihood would be greatly diminished and the future prosperity of our citizens would be at risk and very tough. I suggest that our citizens make the choice for the EU and think rationally for the current generation and future generations of Serbia. Go for the European Union and Serbia will do well.

The title, that is for now only honorary, is used by you and your wife for numerous humanitarian activities?

- We are very satisfied with the results of my wife’s Humanitarian Foundation, and of my Foundation for Culture and Education, but there is always a possibility to do much, much more. We are proud that we are helping all people regardless of religion or ethnic origin. I must emphasize that I am particularly impressed with my wife’s hard charitable work. We are only two people and the people in our charities, and we hope to do more.

Which event in 2007 will you particularly remember?  

  - How can we forget Kosovo and Metohija which is very much in my mind? My wife and I have been to Kosovo numerous times and to our enclaves, we will always remember the scenes of the terrible living conditions and difficult situation. Those images from Kosovo I can not forget.

How and where will you spend the upcoming holidays? 

- My wife and I went to Greece for Christmas (25 December) to join her family. For our Christmas, we will be in our Belgrade home, and Philip will be joining us, while Peter will be this year with his mother in Spain, and Alexander in California.

What would you like to find under your Christmas tree?

- It would be a very nice gift to receive the act of the Constitutional Assembly of the Serbian Parliament re-establishing Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy.

Which Serbian specialties are essential on your New Year’s dinner?  

- I have always liked sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls) and cevapi (grilled rolls of minced meat), and a nice red wine is always welcome.

  What do you bring from Serbia as a gift when you visit Crown Princess Katherine’s family in Athens?s?

- There are always nice handmade things made by our refugees, and my wife selects at the Bazaars many items as presents.

What characteristics have your sons inherited from you?

- They are dedicated to whatever they do. They are committed. They know things do not fall out of the sky, but that they have to work hard for whatever it is that they want. 

In what way is Prince Peter prepared to inherit your position?

  - Peter is a very fine young man and I am very proud of his capability to get on with his work and business earning his living. He relates very well with people  and is full of charm. He will do well. 

 Are you in touch with your former wife and the mother of the Princes, Maria da Gloria?

- Yes, I am in touch with Princess Maria da Gloria. She came with her husband and daughters for my birthday two years ago. My wife and I believe in maintaining friendship. This is also in the best interest for my sons and us.

   How do your sons spend their free time in Belgrade?

- The boys like Belgrade very much and our young people. They went to “Exit” and other concerts. They brought their friends to “Exit”, who liked Serbia very much. They like Dedinje (part of Belgrade) during their holidays and enjoy swimming and tennis very much. They have many friends here as well.

Is there any characteristic you may have that is not exactly preferred in your family?

- You should ask them that question

Who takes care of your styling? Do you ask your wife for an opinion?

- I am my own boss, but I have always been respectful to others’ opinions. My wife is full of ideas and is very energetic. We both believe in discussing things, listening to people and we readily admit our mistakes. We learn something new every day and have much to see.

What Serbian characteristics have you inherited?

  -The following are common here and there: I am stubborn and proud. I eat too much bread and meat. 

Which famous historical figure would you like to get to know, and why?

- My ancestor Karadjordje (Karageorge) is fascinating to me and also my hero, because he created modern Serbia during very difficult times, but I also would have liked to have met my great grandfather King Peter I who was a great democrat.

If you could switch identity with someone for a day, who would it be?

- No switch, I am very happy with who I am. I am sad for those who are insecure, who have little no self esteem and are not happy with themselves.

Correcting the injustice

- I would like everyone to know that what happened in 1945 was illegal and was a drastic violation, not only of human rights but also of international values. My father, King Peter II, was head of our state at the time. He never abdicated and I was born during the time of the Kingdom. There was no referendum, just dictatorial actions of opportunists, who were very violent. When my father died in 1970, I automatically became King, but I opted for a more modest interim title of Crown Prince, without losing the rights that belong to me.  I have full right to use my title that I am proud of, just as I am proud of Serbia. I will be even more satisfied when, one day, the injustice is corrected with what is just. I respect all our politicians, but I emphasize that they will do better in every way, in a democratic, Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy.

New Year’s Greetings

- To our citizens, regardless of religion or ethnic origin, I wish peace, good health, success, progress, new jobs and a brighter future. To my family I wish good health, happiness, and success.

I will bring my father back to Serbia

- My parents had a very rough time after the war and my father was very homesick. He was always hoping to go back home and show me where he lived when he was a boy. I remember my parents being kind to me even though life was not easy for them. I intend to transfer to Oplenac, our family mausoleum, the remains of my father King Peter II, my mother Queen Alexandra, and my grandmother Queen Maria.

Awaiting the Princesses

What do Princes Peter, Philip and Alexander do?

- Peter runs an international graphic design business using computer technologies. Philip completed recently a financial training course and is working on another degree in business. Alexander has one more year to go before he gets his masters degree in fine art advertising; he is also obtaining job experience.  

Will Serbia be getting a new Princess soon?  We are referring to the possible wedding of one of the Princes.

- No news yet.